E-Partnership and virtual organisations: Issues & options

With the convergence of information technology and communication, the Internet has changed the way organizations communicate internally and externally, the way organizations are configured and the way organizations build partnerships. As a result, e-partnerships and virtual organizations become increasingly popular in today¿s corporate world. This chapter aims to address issues of change and innovation associated with e-partnerships and virtual organizations. The chapter (i) discusses the advantages of e-partnerships and virtual organizations and the driving forces behind them; (ii) identifies issues and problems relating to the emergence of e-partnerships and virtual organizations; (iii) explores key factors for achieving the best performance and best results of e-partnerships and virtual organizations; and (iv) speculates future trends of the development of e-commerce and e-business which affects directly the viability of e-partnerships and virtual organizations. This author maintains that a total quality partnership approach holds the key to success. The present study draws upon the current leading literature in the field and a case study of Amazon.com, one of the world largest on-line dealers and virtual enterprise with the most extensive e-networks and e-partnerships.